Kawhi Leonard’s Return: A Game-Changer for the Clippers
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived for Clippers fans. Kawhi Leonard has participated in full-contact practice for the first time this season and will be traveling with the team on their upcoming road trip. This marks a significant step towards his return to the court, potentially as soon as December 27th against the Golden State Warriors.
While Leonard won’t be playing in the next three games, his presence during team practices is a positive sign. When he does return, he’ll likely be on a minutes restriction as he acclimates to game speed. It’s important to temper expectations initially, as it may take time for Leonard to regain his pre-injury form. However, even a slightly diminished Leonard could still be a top-10 player in the NBA, providing the Clippers with a much-needed boost.
The Clippers have performed admirably in Leonard’s absence, boasting a 15-12 record through 27 games. This success can be attributed to James Harden’s leadership, Ivica Zubac’s consistent presence, and contributions from role players like Norman Powell, Kris Dunn, Terance Mann, and Derrick Jones Jr. The team’s resilience has kept them competitive and positioned them well for Leonard’s return.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Clippers catch a break with Luka Dončić sidelined due to a heel contusion. This evens the playing field, as both teams will be without their best player. The focus will shift to containing Kyrie Irving, with Kris Dunn likely to draw the defensive assignment.
Positive News on the Injury Front
In addition to Leonard’s progress, there’s encouraging news regarding other injured Clippers. Terance Mann is progressing, while Derrick Jones Jr. is ahead of schedule and has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday’s game. Jones Jr.'s potential return would be a significant boost, given his impressive performances this season, averaging 10 points per game and shooting 42% from three-point range.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ upcoming matchups and injury updates, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:
• Preview of the Dallas Mavericks game
• Analysis of the Clippers’ defensive improvements
• Discussion on the impact of one player on a team’s success
